Planar filtration and selective isolation and recovery device

ABSTRACT

A filtration and selective fluidic recovery device comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The housing has an opening extending from the inlet to the outlet and an internal support structure maintained in the opening. At least one planar filtration media is carried by the internal support structure where the media separates feedwater received at the inlet into at least a permeate and a concentrate that separately exit at the outlet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/803,958, filed Mar. 14, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,463,421,issued on Oct. 11, 2016; which claims priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/617,261, filed Mar. 29, 2012, each of which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally, the present invention relates to filtration and selectivefluidic isolation and recovery devices. Specifically, the presentinvention relates to a layered planar filtration and selective fluidicisolation and recovery device. More particularly, the present inventionis directed to a stacked layer of materials that include at least onehigh-flux membrane material.

BACKGROUND ART

Currently, nearly half of the online capacity of desalinated water isachieved through a reverse osmosis filtering process. Reverse osmosismarket share is growing but current reverse osmosis technology remainscapital and energy intensive, with limitations in product design andperformance based upon current polymer filtration membranes. The currentindustry standard for polymer filtration is an eight inch diameter byforty inch length spiral wound membrane with 400 to 440 square feet ofactive membrane area. Such devices are limited in permeability which inturn limits output water per unit area, or flux, and requires increasedmembrane area and operating pressures. These high membrane arearequirements and operating pressures are a result of membrane resistance(that is, permeability) as well as concentration polarization, scaling,fouling, and the like. Higher flux rates can exacerbate fouling of thefiltration membranes. As such, these filtration devices require frequentcleaning and ultimately replacement. The limitations in relation to theflux and associated membrane area requirements result in significantcapital cost. The need for high operating pressure devices increase theenergy required to operate the filtration device and which furtherresults in degradation of the membrane due to fouling and compactionwhich also adds to the operating cost.

Current filtration devices for reverse osmosis utilize an eight inchdiameter by forty inch length spiral wound design. Within the filtrationmedia there are twenty to thirty-four membrane leafs which provide foran active membrane area for maximum filtration output water. Althoughimprovements have been made in the filtration media, these are onlyincremental improvements and do not address the issues raised in regardto limited flux throughput or the requirement for high operatingpressures.

The reverse osmosis approach to filtering and/or desalination is toemploy active filtering layers utilizing polyimide components. Thesecomponents may include composite materials or chemical treatments tomodify the properties of the polymer. In all cases such technologyutilizes solution diffusion so as to separate the feed material into aconcentrate and permeate. In the reverse osmosis technology, themembranes are susceptible to fouling, scaling and compaction. Thesematerials also have limited chemical and biological resistance withlimited methods of cleaning, which in turn relates to the need forfrequent replacement of the filtration devices.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for filtration devices thatprovide for improved flow characteristics, reduced size and weight andincreased operational life. There is also a need for filtration devicesto be able to be serviced by replacement of select components instead ofreplacing whole systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the present inventionto provide a planar filtration and selective isolation and recoverydevice.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a filtration orselective fluidic isolation and recovery device comprises a housinghaving an inlet and an outlet, the housing having an opening extendingfrom the inlet to the outlet an internal support structure maintained inthe opening and at least one planar filtration media carried by theinternal support structure, the media separating feedwater received atthe inlet into at least a permeate and a concentrate that separatelyexit at the outlet.

It is yet another aspect of the present invention for the aboveembodiment to provide at least one filtration media that comprises atleast two planar channels, and at least one planar membrane disposedbetween the at least two planar channels, the planar membrane filteringthe feedwater into the permeate and the concentrate.

It is a further aspect of the present invention for the above embodimentto provide at least one filtration media that further comprises amembrane support structure associated with each planar membrane andcarried by the internal support structure, the membrane supportstructure being removable from the housing for cleaning, servicing orreplacement.

It is still a further aspect of the present invention wherein for theabove embodiment one of the at least two planar channels is a permeatespacer disposed between adjacent membrane support structures and theother of the at least two planar channels is a feed channel which hasthe planar membrane adjacent at least one side thereof.

A still further aspect of the present invention for the above embodimentprovides for a planar membrane that is constructed from perforatedgraphene material.

Still another aspect of the present invention in another embodimentprovides for each planar membrane disposed between an adjacent membranestructure on one side and an adjacent feed channel.

Yet another aspect of the present invention in still another embodimentprovides for one of the at least three planar channels to be at leastone first permeate spacer, at least one second permeate spacer, and atleast one feed channel, and wherein the at least one planar membrane isat least one first perforated graphene material having apertures sizedto block a first component of the feedwater, and at least one secondperforated graphene membrane sized to block a second component of thefeedwater.

A further aspect of the present invention for the above embodimentprovides for the first perforated graphene membrane to be positionedbetween the feed channel and a first of the membrane support structures,wherein the second perforated graphene membrane to be positioned betweenthe at least one first permeate spacer and a second of the membranesupport structures, and wherein a first of the at least one secondpermeate spacer is positioned adjacent a side of the second of themembrane support structures opposite the second perforated graphenemembrane.

Still a further aspect of the present invention comprises for the aboveembodiment an outlet cap associated with the outlet, the outlet caphaving a first permeate pipe associated with the at least one firstpermeate spacer to collect the second component of feedwater, a secondpermeate pipe associated with the at least one second permeate spacer tocollect components of feedwater not blocked by the first and secondmembranes, and a concentrate pipe associated with the feed spacer tocollect the first component of feedwater.

A further aspect of the present invention in yet another embodimentcomprises a switchable voltage supply, wherein the planar membrane isperforated graphene electrically conductive and connected to theswitchable voltage supply to electrically charge the planar membrane todisrupt effects of concentration polarization for polarized speciesincluded in the feedwater.

An additional aspect of the present invention in a further embodimentcomprises a switchable voltage supply, wherein the planar membranereceives a direct current electrical charge from the switchable voltagesupply for a specified duration and is then removed for the purposes ofdestroying or disabling biological contaminants upon the planar membraneand/or surrounding structures.

A still further aspect of the present invention in another embodimentprovides for the filtration media comprising a pair of spaced apartinner membranes, each inner membrane having an outer diameter coupled tothe membrane support structure, and a permeate spacer disposed betweenthe inner membranes, and wherein the internal support structurecomprises at least one outlet conduit, wherein the at least one outletconduit has openings adjacent the permeate spacer.

Yet a further aspect of the present invention for the above embodimentprovides for the filtration media further comprising a pair of spacedapart end membranes, each end membrane having an outer diameter coupledto the membrane support structure, and another permeate spacer disposedbetween each adjacent end membrane and the inner membrane, and whereinthe internal support structure further comprises another outlet conduit,wherein the another outlet conduit has openings adjacent the anotherpermeate spacer.

And still another aspect of the present invention in a differentembodiment includes the planar layered filtration media being configuredfor selective isolation and recovery of desired particulates, solutes,or analytes, as opposed to filtering out unwanted particulates, solutes,or analytes for two or more concentrate streams.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome better understood with regard to the following description,appended claims, and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a right side enlarged perspective schematic view of a planarfiltration device carried in a housing according to the concepts of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a left side enlarged perspective schematic view of the planarfiltration device carried in the housing according to the concepts ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional and enlarged schematic view of thefiltration device according to the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional and enlarged schematic view of analternative filtration device according to the concepts of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an outlet cap to separate two or moreoutput streams from the filtration device with a planar membranearrangement; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional and enlarged schematic view of anotheralternative filtration device according to the concepts of the presentinvention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that a filtration deviceis designated generally by the numeral 10. FIG. 1 presents a generalperspective cross-sectional view of an inlet side while FIG. 2 presentsa perspective general cross-sectional view of an outlet side of thefiltration device. The device 10 includes a housing 12 which may be of acylindrical construction as shown, but other shapes are believed to bepossible depending upon end-use applications. In any event, the housing12 includes an inlet 14 which receives feedwater 15 or other fluid forfiltration or selective fluidic isolation and recovery. Although theterm feedwater is used throughout this description, it will beappreciated that the feedwater or fluid material provided to thefiltration device may not include water. As used herein, feedwaterrefers to the medium that includes components supplied to the filtrationdevice for separation and removal. In another embodiment, the feedwatermay contain particulates, solutes, or analytes of interest for selectivefluidic isolation and recovery. Attached to the inlet 14 is an inlet cap16 which includes a feedwater pipe 18 that allows the feedwater to bedirected into the housing. As will be appreciated by skilled artisans,the inlet cap 16 directs the received feedwater 15 into a plurality offeed spacers as will be described. In some embodiments, the cap 16 mayhave conduits to direct the feedwater into the feed channels. In otherembodiments, the feed channels may be surrounded by a non-porous surfacesuch that the feedwater is directed into the feed channels.

An outlet 22 is disposed at an opposite end of the housing 12 andprovides an outlet cap 24. The outlet cap 24 includes a permeate pipe 26and a concentrate pipe 27. These pipes or conduits direct the filteredfeedwater—a permeate 28 and a concentrate 29, sometimes called aresidue—based upon their properties after filtration, for further use.The outlet cap 24 is configured to maintain the separation of thepermeate from the concentrate.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, it can be seen that the housing 12 includesan opening 32 which extends the entire length thereof. Maintained withinthe housing 12 is an internal support structure which includes a seriesof ridges 34 and ledges 35, steps or other structural features so as tosupport a filtration media designated generally by the numeral 36. Asseen, the internal support structure 34, 35 is provided on interiorsides of the housing 12.

The filtration media 36 includes a planar layered configuration whichincludes at least one feed channel 40, at least one high-flux membrane42, at least one membrane porous support structure 44, which issometimes referred to as a porous backing, and at least one permeatespacer 52. The letter designations FC (feed channel 40), M (membrane42), SS (support structure 44) and PS (permeate spacer 52) are providedto provide a clear designation as to each layer. It will be appreciatedthat although the various layers of filtration media are shown slightlyspaced apart for clarity purposes, in practice the various adjacentlayers are likely in touching contact with one another, with seals asappropriate between membranes, flow channels, and permeate spacers so asto provide separated flow paths between permeate and concentrate.Different positional arrangements of the aforementioned components canbe utilized depending upon the components in the feedwater and how thecomponents can best be efficiently separated or filtered from oneanother. As used herein, the feedwater may contain undesiredconstituents such as sodium, chlorine, salts, toxins, virus, bacteria,and other suspended contaminants of similar size that is carried by afluid medium such as a solvent or water.

Generally, the feedwater is received by at least one feed channel 40which delivers the feedwater to a high-flux membrane 42 that issupported by the support structure 44. The feed channel 40 may containeither a woven or non-woven spacer material. The feed spacer material isconstructed from a polymeric material such as polypropylene,polyethylene, polyester, polyamides, and/or fluoropolymers.Non-polymeric materials such as porous ceramics or porous sinteredmetals, or other materials possessing desirable hydrodynamic andapplication specific properties may also be used for the feed spacermaterial. The feed channel's physical configuration features a geometryoptimized to support membrane performance and as such may have athickness of between 0.02″ to 0.04″. Other embodiments may usethicknesses of between 0.02″ to 0.20″ for the feed channel andcorresponding spacer, if used. The feed channel 40 is configured toallow the feedwater to flow from the inlet toward the outlet. Eachmembrane support structure 44 includes a plurality of holes 48 such thatthe porous support structure provides minimal flow resistance. In thepresent embodiment, the support structure is constructed from apolymeric material such as polycarbonate or polyester, which may be usedin conjunction to comprise a laminated or composite backing structuredepending on the application. Other materials with similar hydrodynamicand structural properties could be used, including carbonnano-structured materials, ceramics, and sintered porous metals. Theholes 48 are sized anywhere between 15 nanometers to 200 nanometers indiameter and may be spaced apart from one another depending on hole sizeused. It is desirable to use backing material as open as possible tomaintain a desirable flow while adequately supporting the membrane.Indeed, a structure 44 having an open area of up to 25% could be used.Other hole sizing and spacing may be used. The spacer, if used in feedchannel 40, can be used to set a channel height for the feedwater toflow into and through. In some embodiments the channel height may besized to accommodate a range of channel spacer designs to receive amechanical mechanism 54 that generates turbulence of the feedwater priorto its entering the membrane 42. The mechanical mechanisms may include,but are not limited to, ribs or protrusions that are adjacent orintegral with the feed channel 40. Turbulence may also be generated byuse of a feed spacer in the form of a mesh that is constructed with ribsand spacers. An exemplary material is sold under the trade name Naltex™by Del Star Technologies, Inc. of Middletown, Del., USA. Turbulence mayalso be generated by electrical mechanisms which may include, but arenot limited to alternating current or direct current charge.

In the present embodiment, the high-flux membrane 42 is a graphenemembrane as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,361,321, which is incorporatedherein by reference. The graphene membrane is asingle-atomic-layer-thick layer of carbon atoms, bound together todefine a sheet. The thickness of a single graphene membrane, which maybe referred to as a layer or a sheet, is approximately 0.2 to 0.3nanometers (nm). In some embodiments, multiple graphene layers can beformed, having greater thickness and correspondingly greater strength.Multiple graphene sheets can be provided in multiple layers as themembrane is grown or formed, and is commonly known as few layergraphene. Or multiple graphene sheets can be achieved by layering orpositioning one graphene layer on top of another. For all theembodiments disclosed herein, a single layer of graphene or multiplegraphene layers may be used. Testing reveals that multiple layers ofgraphene maintain their integrity and function, possibly as a result ofself-adhesion. This improves the strength of the membrane and in somecases flow performance. The perforated graphene high-flux throughputmaterial provides significantly improved filtration properties, asopposed to polyamide or other polymeric material filtration materials.In most embodiments, the graphene membrane is 0.5 to 2 nanometers thick.The carbon atoms of the graphene layer define a repeating pattern ofhexagonal ring structures (benzene rings) constructed of six carbonatoms, which form a honeycomb lattice of carbon atoms. An interstitialaperture is formed by each six carbon atom ring structure in the sheetand this interstitial aperture is less than one nanometer across.Indeed, skilled artisans will appreciate that the interstitial apertureis believed to be about 0.23 nanometers across at its longest dimension.Accordingly, the dimension and configuration of the interstitialaperture and the electron nature of the graphene precludes transport ofany molecule across the graphene's thickness unless there areperforations. This dimension is much too small to allow the passage ofeither water or ions.

In order to form the perforated graphene membrane, one or moreperforations are made. A representative generally or nominally roundaperture or perforation 55 is defined through the graphene membrane 42.Aperture 55 has a nominal diameter of about 0.6 nanometers. The sixtenth nanometer dimension is selected to block the smallest of the ionswhich would ordinarily be expected in salt or brackish water, which isthe sodium ion. The generally round shape of the aperture 55 is affectedby the fact that the edges of the aperture are defined, in part, by thehexagonal carbon ring structure of the graphene membrane 42. Otheraperture sizes may be selected depending upon the constituents of thefeedwater and the constituents or components of the feedwater that isdesired to be blocked or filtered. Accordingly, the apertures 55 mayrange in size from 0.5 nm to 1.2 nm in some embodiments, or from 1.0 to10 nm in other embodiments. And in other embodiments, the size of theapertures may range from 10 nm to 100 nm.

Apertures in the graphene membrane may be made by selective oxidation,by which is meant exposure to an oxidizing agent for a selected periodof time. It is believed that the aperture 55 can also be laser-drilled.As described in the publication Nano Lett. 2008, Vol. 8, no. 7, pg1965-1970, the most straightforward perforation strategy is to treat thegraphene film with dilute oxygen in argon at elevated temperature. Asdescribed therein, through apertures or holes in the 20 to 180 nm rangewere etched in graphene using 350 mTorr of oxygen in 1 atmosphere (atm)argon at 500° C. for 2 hours. The paper reasonably suggests that thenumber of holes is related to defects in the graphene sheet and the sizeof the holes is related to the residence time. This is believed to bethe preferred method for making the desired perforations in graphenestructures. The structures may be graphene nanoplatelets and graphenenanoribbons. Thus, apertures in the desired range can be formed byshorter oxidation times. Another more involved method as described inKim et al. “Fabrication and Characterization of Large Area,Semiconducting Nanoperforated Graphene Materials,” Nano Letters 2010Vol. 10, No. 4, Mar. 1, 2010, pp 1125-1131 utilizes a self assemblingpolymer that creates a mask suitable for patterning using reactive ionetching. A P(S-blockMMA) block copolymer forms an array of PMMA columnsthat form vias for the RIE upon redeveloping. The pattern of holes isvery dense. The number and size of holes is controlled by the molecularweight of the PMMA block and the weight fraction of the PMMA in theP(S-MMA). Either method has the potential to produce perforated graphenesheets. Other methods of forming the apertures may be employed.

In the embodiments disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that theapertures are sized to block selected components of the feedwater andallow passage of other components. Moreover, the edges of the aperturesmay be modified to assist in blocking or passing of selected components.Although graphene is an exemplary two dimensional material for use asthe high-flux membrane 42, skilled artisans will appreciate that othermaterials such as boron nitride, metal chalcogenides, silicene andgermanene, and molybdenum disulfide could offer two dimensionalthinness, although use of these materials for filtration applications isnot known to be as ideal as graphene. In any event, the membrane 42functions to preclude passage of unwanted components of the feedwaterwhile allowing the desired components to pass therethrough and,accordingly through the structure holes 48. As such, by reducedoperating pressure, the material not blocked by the membrane flowsthrough the membrane apertures 55 and the membrane support structure 44and is delivered to the permeate spacer 52. As an end result, thematerial blocked by the membrane continues through the feed channel 40while the unblocked material proceeds and flows through the permeatespacer 52. In the present embodiment, the permeate spacer 52 isconstructed and sized for compressive loads which will have asubstantially different magnitude from those of the feed channel 40 forhigh pressure operation. The purpose of the permeate spacers differs asit primarily provides structural support to the membrane and does notgenerally serve to produce flow turbulence as does the feed spacermaterial if disposed in the feed channel 40. The permeate spacer alsoprovides a conduit for permeate flow from the back side of the membraneto a common permeate collection means. Skilled artisans will appreciatethat construction and sizing of the permeate spacer may be varieddepending upon the characteristics of the feedwater and therefore theoperating pressure and permeate flux rate.

The channels 40 and spacers 52 directly feed their respective fluidsinto the permeate pipe 26 (the permeate spacer 52) and the concentratepipe 30 (the feed spacer 42).

In some embodiments, the aforementioned electrical mechanism forgenerating turbulence is a switched voltage supply 70, which ismaintained outside the housing but could be within the housing, isconnected to the membrane 42 by a pair of conductors 72. In mostembodiments, the conductors are attached at diametrically opposite endsof the membrane 42. As skilled artisans will appreciate, application ofan electrical voltage to the membrane 42 that is graphene or has someother electrically conductive material generates a repulsive force thatcauses turbulence that is transmitted or transferred to the feedwater,in particular the polarized salt ions within the feedwater. In someembodiments, the forces will be alternated between repulsive andattractive to produce maximum turbulence. This turbulence assists inmoving the permeate through the various layers. In the perforatedgraphene embodiment, the material is able to conduct an electricalcharge which can be controlled to disrupt concentration polarization,thereby lowering operating pressure. Moreover, it is believed that anelectrically charged graphene membrane is an ideal conductive materialthat will support the necessary charge to disrupt biologicalaccumulation on the membrane surface or surrounding supportingstructures. By applying a direct current or alternating currentelectrical charge from the supply 70 for a specified duration and thenremoving the charge, biological contaminants on the membrane and/orsurrounding structures can be destroyed or disabled.

As skilled artisans will appreciate, the channels 40, the spacers 52,the support structure 44, and the membrane 42 are of a planarconstruction. In other words, each are provided with a width and lengthwhich receives the feed supply and the filtered fluid.

In the present embodiment the support structure 44, along with themembranes 42 which they support, are removable from the housing byvirtue of their retention by the internal support structure 34. Thesupport structure 44 includes a lateral edge 74 along each side thatprovides a handle 75. Each handle 75 includes a groove 76. Each groove76 is slidably receivable on a corresponding ridge 34. Additionally, anunderside of each handle 75 may be slidably received on and supported bya corresponding ledge 35. The support structure 44 can be mechanicallyfastened to the internal support structure—ridges 34, ledges 35—tomaintain pressure during operation. Unfastening of the supportstructures allows access to the membranes located inside the housing.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the uppermost support structure 44supports a membrane 42. The feedwater flows through the membrane 42 viathe apertures 55 and the membrane support 44 via the holes 48 and isreceived by the permeate spacer 52. Disposed on the underside of thatparticular permeate spacer 52 is another support structure 44 which hason its other side another membrane 42. Another feed channel 40 isdisposed adjacent that membrane. As such, any feedwater that enters oneof the inner feed channels 40 may enter a membrane 42 immediately aboveor immediately below wherein the material that flows therethrough entersthe appropriate permeate spacer 52. A feed spacer material may be usedto keep the membranes separated from each other. Flow through the devicemoves from input side to output side down the length of the housing,with permeate flow moving down the permeate channel and feedwater flowmoving down the feedwater channel, tangential to the membrane surface.This direction is in and out of the page as viewed in FIG. 3. Thedirectional arrows provided in FIG. 3 (and later in FIG. 4) are for thepurpose of showing how the feedwater flows from one layer to another. Ascan be seen by viewing the filtration media 36, each support structure44 is associated with a membrane 42 on one side thereof and anappropriate permeate spacer 52 on an opposite side. This stacked planardesign is conducive for replacing membranes as needed.

The filtration media 36 is configured to optimize the relationship ofthe various layers with one another. As such, each feed channel 40 hasat least one membrane on one side thereof, and in some instances bothsides. Each permeate spacer 52 has a support structure 44 on both sidesthereof. Finally, each membrane is positioned between a supportstructure 44 on one side and a feed spacer on an opposite side. Thefiltered material that collects in the permeate spacer 52 then flows outthe housing through the permeate pipe 26. The unfiltered or blockedmaterial that remains in the feed channel flows out the housing throughthe concentrate pipe 29.

It will also be appreciated that adjacent layers cold be specificallyassociated with one another. For example, a layered sequence of amembrane 42, a support structure 44, a permeate spacer 52, anothersupport structure and another membrane 42 could be configured so as toform a membrane leaf structure. The leaf structure could be areplaceable unit and could be removed and replaced if found defective.The associated support structures could be secured to one another tofacilitate insertion and removal. Other repeating sequences could beconfigured as a leaf structure.

The filtration device 10 has several readily apparent advantages. Byutilizing ultra thin or two-dimensional materials, a layered platedesign is able to be obtained instead of a spiral wound design. In thecase of an ultra-permeable membrane such as perforated graphene, thelayered plate design can be utilized at reduced overall size compared tocurrent state of the art filtration devices while maintaining thebenefits of linear scalability, membrane accessibility, and channeldesign to mitigate the effects of concentration polarization, scalingfouling and the like. Indeed, use of a high flux throughput material,such as perforated graphene or the like, allows for a reduction inmembrane surface area by a factor of anywhere between five to fiftytimes. The present embodiments are also advantageous in that theyincrease the ease of assembly and reduce manufacturing requirements byuse of the removable support structures, spacers and membranes. Stillyet another advantage of the filtration device 10 is that it allows formultiple devices to be attached in series to provide additionalfiltering as needed.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an alternative embodiment of afiltration device having a filtration media designated generally by thenumeral 80 is shown. The media 80 is receivable in the housing 12 andreceives feedwater input in substantially the same way as shown inFIG. 1. The output of the filtration media 80 is different and will bedescribed in relation to FIG. 5. In any event, the filtration media is alayered planar construction very similar to that shown in FIG. 3, butwith several new components. As in the previous embodiment, thefiltration media includes a feed channel 40 (FC) and a high-fluxmembrane 42 (M1) having a plurality of apertures 55.

A support structure 44 (SS) carries the membrane 42 and the feed channel40, which may include a spacer material, and, in a manner similar to theprevious embodiment, the structure 44 provides for a plurality of holes48. Each support structure 44 provides a handle 75 at each side edge 74of the support structure which is sized large enough for grasping by atechnician. Each handle 75 has a groove 76 so as to be slidably movablealong the ridge 34 extending inwardly from a wall of the housing. Eachhandle may be supported by a ledge 35. The support structure is sized soas to easily carry the membrane and the feed spacer and allow for theirremoval, if required, from the support structure. Positioned underneaththe support structure is a permeate spacer 52 (PS1). The layers in themedia 80 are substantially the same as that disclosed for the media 36.

For the filtration media 80, additional layers are provided. Theseinclude another high-flux membrane 82 (M2) which has a plurality ofapertures 84 which are sized to be smaller than the apertures 55 of thehigh-flux membrane 42. Another support structure 44 is positionedimmediately underneath the membrane 82. Positioned underneath thisparticular support structure is another permeate spacer 86 (PS2). Theremaining structure of the filtration media is a mirror opposite of thejust described variation. In other words, positioned underneath thesecond support structure 44 and the permeate spacer 86 is anothersupport structure which has on its underside a membrane 82, anotherpermeate spacer 52, a support structure 44, a membrane 42 and a feedchannel 40. In a manner similar to the previous embodiment, a leafstructure can be formed by the layered sequence shown or some variationthereof to allow for replacement.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that the layered construction shown inFIG. 4 may be repeated any number of times so as to filter the feedwatermaterial. In the embodiment shown the filtration media is utilized toseparate out two components from the feedwater, fluid medium or othermaterial. For example purposes only, the shown configuration may beutilized to desalinate salt water. Accordingly, the feedwater whichcontains water molecules, monovalent ions and divalent ions is providedto the feed channels 40. The feedwater flows through the feed channels,and spacer material if provided, and is projected onto the membranes 42.The apertures 55 of the membrane 42 are sized so as to preclude or blockthe flow of divalent ions. As such, the apertures may be sized to abouta dimension of about 1.4 nm or in a range of between 1.2 to 1.6 nm.Accordingly, the water molecules and monovalent ions are permitted toflow through these apertures while the divalent ions are blocked. Thesedivalent ions and remaining components that do not flow through theapertures 55 continue through the feed channels and to the outlet of thehousing. The water molecules and monovalent ions that flow through thesupport structure apertures 44 are then received by the permeate spacers52 and flow toward the membrane 82. The membrane 82 provides apertures84 that are sized to block the monovalent ions and, in the presentembodiment, the apertures are believed to have a diameter of about 0.9nm. In some embodiments, the apertures may range in size from 0.8 to 1.2nm. Accordingly, these apertures are adequate to allow for the passageof the water molecules but preclude migration of the monovalent ions.Accordingly, the monovalent ions flow along the permeate spacers 52along with any water molecules that do not flow through the apertures 84and are received in the appropriate outlet for further processing. Thematerial not blocked by the membrane 82, the purified water molecules,flows into the permeate spacer 86 and likewise flows to the outlet forfurther processing.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the device 10 provides the housing 12 along witha plurality of outputs. In particular, the housing 12 provides forextension of the feed channel 40 which carries the materials blocked bythe membrane 42 and routes the feed channels 40 into an appropriateoutlet or conduit for further processing. In a similar manner, thepermeate spacers 52 carry the monovalent ions and presumably a number ofwater molecules to an appropriate outlet for further processing.Finally, the permeate spacer 86 carries the water molecules which arefree of the salt ions and can be used for the appropriate end-use. Theembodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is advantageous in that multiplecomponents of a feedwater can be separated and processed. This is usefulfor when multi-components are included in the feedwater and it will beappreciated that the layering concept utilizing the support structurescan facilitate filtering of any number of components from a fluid orgaseous medium. It will also be appreciated that membrane leafs andcorresponding components can be replaced as needed if they are damagedor otherwise rendered inoperative. Moreover, the aperture sizes of themembranes can be adjusted as needed for a particular feedwater material.Although the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 outputs threecomponents, the layered filtration components can be scaled so as toincrease the number of constituents provided in a feedwater supply. Inother words, by incorporating high-flux membranes that have differentaperture sizes, any number of constituents can be removed.

Referring now to FIG. 6, it can be seen that an alternative filtrationdevice is designated generally by the numeral 100. The device 100provides for a housing 102 and at least one filtration media designatedgenerally by the numeral 106. In this particular embodiment, instead ofemploying a planar rectangular filtration media, it will be appreciatedthat the filtration media is configured in planar circular discs whichallow for a more direct collection of the filtered materials. Thehousing 102 provides for a single inlet 110, although multiple inletscould be provided, as long as the same material enters the housing 102.The housing 102 also provides an outlet 112 utilized to direct theunfiltered concentrate from the feedwater. As noted previously, theconcentrate is any material that has not processed through the filtersas will be described. The housing also includes a permeate conduit 114and a permeate conduit 116. Both the conduits 114 and 116 are providedto axially extend through the filtration media and out from the housing102. The conduits 114 and 116 are sealed so as to prevent direct entryof the feedwater. In this embodiment, the conduits 114 and 116 providethe internal support structure for carrying the filtration media.

The filtration media 106 provides for a circular outer band 120 whichserves as a membrane support structure and precludes the flow ofmaterial through the bands so as to not enter the areas between themembranes as will be discussed. The membranes in this embodiment havethe same properties and characteristics as disclosed in the previousembodiments. And, as in the previous embodiments, the media 106 may beutilized to separate and/or filter any multi-component feedwater.Captured by the inner surfaces of the outer band 120 are a pair ofopposed and spaced apart end membranes 122. The outer diameter of eachend membrane 122 is captured and sealed by the outer band 120. Eachmembrane 122 provides for a plurality of apertures which are sized toblock the selected ions. As discussed in the previous embodiment fordesalination, the membranes will as one example be utilized to blockdivalent ions that will flow through the housing 102 with all otherrejected material and then exit out the outlet 112.

A central hub 126 is provided by each end membrane 122 so as to precludedirect entry of feedwater into the conduits 114 and 116. One of the hubs126 will have openings therethrough to receive and carry the conduits114 and 116. Disposed between the two end membranes are a pair of spacedapart inner membranes 130. Each inner membrane has an outer diameterthat is securely received by the band 120. The inner membranes 130 havea plurality of apertures 132 which are configured so as to block themonovalent ions and allow for the water molecules to pass therethroughin the same manner as in the previous embodiment. The inner membranesare also provided with inner hubs 134 that receive and carry theconduits 114 and 116 so as to allow for passage of the selected ions andpreclude passage of the non-selected ions and other debris. To supportthe membranes, a permeate spacer 140 may be disposed between arespective end membrane and an inner membrane. In a similar manner, apermeate spacer 142 may be disposed between the inner membranes 130. Thepermeate conduit 116 provides conduit openings 144 disposed between theend and inner membranes. In a similar manner, the permeate conduit 114provides conduit openings 146 between the inner membranes.

Accordingly, in operation the feedwater material is projected into thehousing and comes in contact with the end membranes 122. Those materialssized to pass through the apertures 124 do so accordingly, while thematerial that is too large to fit through the apertures continues onthrough the housing and exits out the outlet 112. Once the materialpasses through the end membranes it encounters the inner membranes 130.If the material is too large, it will be received and pass through theconduit openings 144 and flow through the conduit 116. If the materialis small enough to fit through the apertures 132 of the inner membranes130, then the filtered material is received and passes into the conduitopenings 146 and flows through the conduit 114.

This embodiment is advantageous in that it allows for the conduits to becentrally located and thus facilitate attachment to various collectionvessels. This embodiment also allows for the media 106 to be removedfrom the housing 102 and for the membranes 122, 130 to be cleaned and/orreplaced as needed.

Thus, it can be seen that the objects of the invention have beensatisfied by the structure and its method for use presented above. Whilein accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and preferredembodiment has been presented and described in detail, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of theinvention, reference should be made to the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A filtration or selective fluidic isolation andrecovery device, comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet,said housing having an opening extending from said inlet to said outlet;an internal support structure maintained in said opening; and at leastone planar filtration media carried by said internal support structure,said media separating feedwater received at said inlet into at least apermeate and a concentrate that separately exit at said outlet.
 2. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein said at least one filtration mediacomprises: at least two planar channels; and at least one planarmembrane disposed between said at least two planar channels, said planarmembrane filtering the feedwater into the permeate and the concentrate.3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said at least one filtrationmedia further comprises: a membrane support structure associated witheach said planar membrane and carried by said internal supportstructure, said membrane support structure being removable from saidhousing for cleaning, servicing or replacement.
 4. The device accordingto claim 3, wherein one of said at least two planar channels is apermeate spacer disposed between adjacent membrane support structuresand the other of said at least two planar spacers is a feed channelwhich has said planar membrane adjacent at least one side thereof. 5.The device according to claim 4, wherein said planar membrane isconstructed from perforated graphene material.
 6. The device accordingto claim 4, wherein each said planar membrane is disposed between anadjacent membrane structure on one side and an adjacent feed channel. 7.The device according to claim 3, wherein one of said at least threeplanar channels is at least one first permeate spacer, at least onesecond permeate spacer, and at least one feed channel; and wherein saidat least one planar membrane is at least one first perforated graphenematerial having apertures sized to block a first component of thefeedwater, and at least one second perforated graphene membrane sized toblock a second component of the feedwater.
 8. The device according toclaim 7, wherein said first perforated graphene membrane is positionedbetween said feed channel and a first of said membrane supportstructures, wherein said second perforated graphene membrane ispositioned between said at least one first permeate spacer and a secondof said membrane support structures, and wherein a first of said atleast one second permeate spacer is positioned adjacent a side of saidsecond of said membrane support structures opposite said secondperforated graphene membrane.
 9. The device according to claim 8,further comprising: an outlet cap associated with said outlet, saidoutlet cap having: a first permeate pipe associated with said at leastone first permeate spacer to collect said second component of feedwater;a second permeate pipe associated with said at least one second permeatespacer to collect components of feedwater not clocked by aid first andsecond membranes; and a concentrate pipe associated with said feedchannel to collect said first component of feedwater.
 10. The deviceaccording to claim 3, further comprising: a switchable voltage supply,wherein said planar membrane is perforated graphene electricallyconductive and connected to said switchable voltage supply toelectrically charge said planar membrane to disrupt effects ofconcentration polarization for polarized species included in thefeedwater.
 11. The device according to claim 3, further comprising: aswitchable voltage supply, wherein said planar membrane receives adirect or alternating current electrical charge from said switchablevoltage supply for a specified duration and is then removed for thepurposes of destroying or disabling biological contaminants upon saidplanar membrane and/or surrounding structures.
 12. The device accordingto claim 3, wherein said filtration media comprises: a pair of spacedapart inner membranes, each said inner membrane having an outer diametercoupled to said membrane support structure; and a permeate spacerdisposed between said inner membranes; and wherein said internal supportstructure comprises: at least one outlet conduit, wherein said at leastone outlet conduit has openings adjacent said permeate spacer.
 13. Thedevice according to claim 12, wherein said filtration media furthercomprises: a pair of spaced apart end membranes, each said end membranehaving an outer diameter coupled to said membrane support structure;another permeate spacer disposed between each adjacent end membrane andsaid inner membrane; and and wherein said internal support structurefurther comprises: another outlet conduit, wherein said another outletconduit has openings adjacent said another permeate spacer.
 14. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein said planar layered filtrationmedia is configured for selective isolation and recovery of desiredparticulates, solutes, or analytes, as opposed to filtering out unwantedparticulates, solutes, or analytes for two or more concentrate streams.